With his compelling biography, conservative credentials and fundraising prowess, Cotton is one of the highest-profile members of the freshman class.

“Cotton brings energy and enthusiasm to the House Republican Conference, and he’s definitely someone with leadership potential,” emailed a GOP aide, who confirmed the Boehner event was taking place.

The fundraiser with the Speaker will take place at the Capitol Hill Club on Wednesday evening.

Republicans on the other side of the Capitol complex have been giving Cotton attention too. Despite only having taken the oath of office last month, Republicans are recruiting him to run against Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., in 2014.

Asked directly whether Cotton was running for re-election or Senate earlier this week, his spokeswoman, Caroline Rabbitt, did not answer. She said in a statement to CQ Roll Call that the congressman “is focused right now on the coming work to address our spending-driven debt crisis.”

Whether he pulls the trigger on a Senate run or not, a fundraiser with the Speaker is sure to help fill his federal coffers — money that can be used for re-election to the House or a run for Senate.

Cotton is a strong fundraiser, and he pulled in more than $2.2 million for a minimally competitive race in 2012.

Cotton represents the 4th District, a safe GOP seat if he seeks re-election. Running against Pryor would be a heavier lift.